SMS COUNSELOR NEWS

School Counselor News

Southern Middle School Guidance Staff

Mrs. Connie Markle, Guidance Clerk A.M. x3272

Mrs. Jackie Winterson, Guidance Clerk P.M x3272

Mr. Jason Katz, School Counselor Last Names A-K x3255

Mrs. Lisa Hall, School Counselor Last Names L-Z x3256

Please reach out and contact us with any concerns, so we are able to work with you in a proactive manner to ensure your son/daughter gets what they need to make school a happy, safe place to learn. You may contact us at [email protected], [email protected] or at 717.235.4811 extension 3272.

Please take a few minutes to let us know what things you feel would be beneficial for us to know about your student by completing our Southern Middle School Counseling by clicking this hyperlink Parent Survey

York County School of Technology

Parents of 8th graders: York County School of Technology will conduct its annual visit to SMS in October 2019. All 8th graders will attend in order to hear about what programs YCST can offer to them for grade 9.

The annual YCST open house is on November 14, 2019 from 5- 9 p.m. Anyone interested in applying is encouraged to attend.

You will receive additional communication in next month’s newsletter on when applications for YCST first round applications will be due. If you have any questions about York County School of Technology, please contact Mrs. Hall or Mr. Katz in the guidance office.

Reality Check

Southern Middle School is committed to fostering a learning environment where all students feel safe, welcomed, valued, celebrated, and respected. Southern York School District has partnered with York’s Jewish Community Center in order to to achieve this goal. On October 2 and October 3, 2019 Southern Middle School, with the assistance of the JCC Diversity Specialist, will host Reality Check. The Reality Check program brings about positive changes in awareness, attitudes, behavior, knowledge, and hearts.

Aevidum Closet Open

The Aevidum Closet is up and running, and they need everyone’s help to keep it stocked for the school year. All donations will help students at SMS or other Southern York County Schools. Any items that can not be used will be donated to other local charities. The Aevidum Closet is run by students for students.

We are currently looking for the following gently used items:

-shorts

-backpacks

-sneakers/shoes

-lunch boxes

-draw string bags for PE supplies

Aevidum would also like these items that are new and still in the packaging:

-socks

-underwear

-toothbrushes

-toothpaste

-deodorant

-shampoo

-body wash or soap

Please contact Mrs. Hall or Mr. Katz at SMS for further information.

Student Assistance Program & School Based Outpatient Satellite Program

The Student Assistance Program continues to function actively in the middle school. As a reminder, the SAP team is a group of trained staff members who work to identify, intervene and refer students who are having difficulties due to a variety of possibilities. The student assistance program is available to all students at SMS (the exception being someone who is already receiving drug/alcohol or mental health counseling). Please contact the guidance office to make a referral or obtain additional information.

The SYCSD/PCBH School Based Counseling Program utilizes a multi-disciplinary approach to bridge the gap young people who need mental health care, and young people who receive mental health care by providing coordinated mental health services at a licensed satellite office of PCBH in the familiar environment of the school setting. Please contact Mrs. Hall or Mr. Katz for more information if needed.